Josh Norris

Mock Drafts

NFL Mock Draft Version 3.0

You will notice a few of these projections are the same as my last mock draft. That is because they make sense… for now. Less than five percent of you are actually reading this introduction. Thank you to those who are. These “projections” will change frequently. Don’t take these guesses as “X player is projected in the first-round.” It is too early to make such a statement.

You will see the top quarterbacks drafted much later in this mock than others. Right now everyone is concluding one or two will be top ten picks. This is a common theme every year; sometimes it happens, sometimes it does not. In this situation Sam Bradford could follow Chip Kelly to the 49ers, Colin Kaepernick to the Browns and Chase Daniel to the Eagles.

1. Tennessee Titans - FSU DB Jalen Ramsey - Everyone is mocking Laremy Tunsil here. For years it has been accepted that left tackle is the most important offensive line position. In the past, it seemed all of the top pass rushers played opposite the left tackle. That played into the importance of the position. Now pass rushers are deployed from all different alignments. Basically I’m trying to explain why tackle will not be the pick here, since Tennessee’s interior seemed to struggle just as much (or more) than the left tackle. The Titans likely want to trade this pick, but a versatile, aggressive defensive back with size and athleticism is not a bad consolation.

2. Cleveland Browns - Ohio State EDGE Joey Bosa - Bosa is all explosion and power, shedding his opposition with strength and extension. He is one of the best run defending edge players I have seen. Don’t expect a flexible bender who turns the corner. That is not Bosa’s game. Many have asked how Bosa will fare dropping into coverage. I’d make him a designated rusher who occasionally covers the curl to flat area, which is not a big question.

3. San Diego Chargers - Ole Miss T Laremy Tunsil - Philip Rivers has also displayed functional mobility and an ability to win in a confined pocket. Common thought would be that Rivers’ ability to succeed in such a situation would continue to decline with age. This entire offense would improve with a better offensive line. Tunsil has an aggressive demeanor to go along with his strength.

4. Dallas Cowboys - UCLA LB Myles Jack - As of now, I consider Jack the top prospect in this draft class. Jack can play like a 260 lbs power linebacker or display the agility a 230 lbs coverage specialist. He moves differently than most players at the position. Linebackers tend to play better when working behind a talented defensive line, and expect Dallas to invest in the interior throughout the draft. Jack is on track to participate in the Combine.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Eastern Kentucky EDGE Noah Spence - The Jaguars will likely lose three edge rushers this offseason (Clemons played 675 snaps, Branch played 616 and Davis played 250) and were in dire need of pass rushing productivity this year. I would not argue with anyone who ranks Spence as the second best edge rusher in this class. In fact, I likely agree. He combines explosion with power and is not afraid to work through his opponent or around them. Off field issues led to his dismissal at Ohio State, but what if those aren’t “issues” anymore?

6. Baltimore Ravens - Notre Dame T Ronnie Stanley - Eugene Monroe turns just 29 in April, but he has only played in 17 games over the last two seasons. The Ravens cannot count on him to play a full season. On top of that, Kelechi Osemele is a free agent and 2016 is the final year of Ricky Wagner’s deal. Getting a talented left tackle in a rookie deal is a great proposition.

7. San Francisco 49ers - Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell - I rank Treadwell as a top five prospect in this class and think much of the criticism around him is nitpicking. Treadwell is an ultra-physical receiver both before and after the catch. It might not matter for many, but receiver coaches will love his blocking intensity. The 49ers need foundation pieces on offense, and Treadwell can be that.

8. Miami Dolphins - Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves - Hargreaves’ 2015 season did not match 2014, but it was far from bad or even average. I was a big Jamar Taylor fan out of Boise State, but he has not played well. Unless the team really believes in young corners Bobby McCain and Tony Lippett as full time starters, expect them to address this position early.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Clemson EDGE Shaq Lawson - We know all about what Lawson and Clemson’s defensive line did this year. Lawson produced a great matchup against Ronnie Stanley this season, winning on some occasions and losing on others. He has flashes speed, power and pass rushing awareness with a variety of moves.

10. New York Giants - Oregon DL DeForest Buckner - I’m not completely sold on Buckner’s pass rushing success early on. However, I am sold on Buckner's individual traits that can result in a powerful pass rusher. Let me explain. Buckner has desired size and length. He is not slow off the football. He has strength in his hands and uses length. All of these show up as a run defender. Once he shows urgency and intent to play behind the line of scrimmage and shed against the pass, he can be a huge factor on a defense. The Giants might see a Justin Tuck comparison here.

11. Chicago Bears - Ohio State LB Darron Lee - John Fox invested at linebacker in multiple previous stops. The Bears lack speed on defense, and Lee offers it. Yes, Lee missed some tackles this season, but I think his agility put him in plays others might not reach. Improvements to the interior of the defensive line would also help.

12. New Orleans Saints - Alabama DL A’Shawn Robinson - The NFL already likes and will continue to like Robinson’s projection more than I do. see a big, stout run defender who does not offer very much as an upfield disruptor or pass rusher. Maybe he can be Michael Brockers, but I see adequate to above average run defenders signed every year off the street. The Saints do need help along the interior, and as you have read, it can greatly impact linebacker success.

13. Philadelphia Eagles - Stanford G Joshua Garnett - I’ve been on a few local Philadelphia programs in recent weeks. One question I received was “outside of guard, what position is the biggest need.” It was difficult to answer. To me, that shows how much the Eagles need to upgrade the position, arguably at both guard spots. Garnett can be a powerful blocker and will draw the “good teammate” label.

14. Oakland Raiders - Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander - I can see why a lot of people like Alexander. In fact, many love his game. Hate it or love it, corner is now a position of size and stature. It can be difficult to find sub 5’10” corner who successfully plays the ball in contested situations. Jason Verrett was one, and Alexander needs to follow that path.

15. Los Angeles Rams - North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz - GM Les Snead recently mentioned that the “analytics” pointed to Case Keenum “playing like a top-10 quarterback at one point.” There is no way he can believe that. Wentz has a lot of talent, but I cannot get behind the top 10 pick talk. However, the Rams do need to (finally) invest in the position.

16. Detroit Lions - Baylor WR Corey Coleman - I think Coleman plays bigger than his size and obviously offers speed and yards after catch capabilities. It is interesting, because the WVU game shows an evaluator everything in terms of getting off the line versus press, while the Oklahoma State contest displays the opposite. Coleman obviously does not have Calvin Johnson’s size, but he is a playmaker.

You will notice a few of these projections are the same as my last mock draft. That is because they make sense… for now. Less than five percent of you are actually reading this introduction. Thank you to those who are. These “projections” will change frequently. Don’t take these guesses as “X player is projected in the first-round.” It is too early to make such a statement.

You will see the top quarterbacks drafted much later in this mock than others. Right now everyone is concluding one or two will be top ten picks. This is a common theme every year; sometimes it happens, sometimes it does not. In this situation Sam Bradford could follow Chip Kelly to the 49ers, Colin Kaepernick to the Browns and Chase Daniel to the Eagles.

1. Tennessee Titans - FSU DB Jalen Ramsey - Everyone is mocking Laremy Tunsil here. For years it has been accepted that left tackle is the most important offensive line position. In the past, it seemed all of the top pass rushers played opposite the left tackle. That played into the importance of the position. Now pass rushers are deployed from all different alignments. Basically I’m trying to explain why tackle will not be the pick here, since Tennessee’s interior seemed to struggle just as much (or more) than the left tackle. The Titans likely want to trade this pick, but a versatile, aggressive defensive back with size and athleticism is not a bad consolation.

2. Cleveland Browns - Ohio State EDGE Joey Bosa - Bosa is all explosion and power, shedding his opposition with strength and extension. He is one of the best run defending edge players I have seen. Don’t expect a flexible bender who turns the corner. That is not Bosa’s game. Many have asked how Bosa will fare dropping into coverage. I’d make him a designated rusher who occasionally covers the curl to flat area, which is not a big question.

3. San Diego Chargers - Ole Miss T Laremy Tunsil - Philip Rivers has also displayed functional mobility and an ability to win in a confined pocket. Common thought would be that Rivers’ ability to succeed in such a situation would continue to decline with age. This entire offense would improve with a better offensive line. Tunsil has an aggressive demeanor to go along with his strength.

4. Dallas Cowboys - UCLA LB Myles Jack - As of now, I consider Jack the top prospect in this draft class. Jack can play like a 260 lbs power linebacker or display the agility a 230 lbs coverage specialist. He moves differently than most players at the position. Linebackers tend to play better when working behind a talented defensive line, and expect Dallas to invest in the interior throughout the draft. Jack is on track to participate in the Combine.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Eastern Kentucky EDGE Noah Spence - The Jaguars will likely lose three edge rushers this offseason (Clemons played 675 snaps, Branch played 616 and Davis played 250) and were in dire need of pass rushing productivity this year. I would not argue with anyone who ranks Spence as the second best edge rusher in this class. In fact, I likely agree. He combines explosion with power and is not afraid to work through his opponent or around them. Off field issues led to his dismissal at Ohio State, but what if those aren’t “issues” anymore?

6. Baltimore Ravens - Notre Dame T Ronnie Stanley - Eugene Monroe turns just 29 in April, but he has only played in 17 games over the last two seasons. The Ravens cannot count on him to play a full season. On top of that, Kelechi Osemele is a free agent and 2016 is the final year of Ricky Wagner’s deal. Getting a talented left tackle in a rookie deal is a great proposition.

7. San Francisco 49ers - Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell - I rank Treadwell as a top five prospect in this class and think much of the criticism around him is nitpicking. Treadwell is an ultra-physical receiver both before and after the catch. It might not matter for many, but receiver coaches will love his blocking intensity. The 49ers need foundation pieces on offense, and Treadwell can be that.

8. Miami Dolphins - Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves - Hargreaves’ 2015 season did not match 2014, but it was far from bad or even average. I was a big Jamar Taylor fan out of Boise State, but he has not played well. Unless the team really believes in young corners Bobby McCain and Tony Lippett as full time starters, expect them to address this position early.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Clemson EDGE Shaq Lawson - We know all about what Lawson and Clemson’s defensive line did this year. Lawson produced a great matchup against Ronnie Stanley this season, winning on some occasions and losing on others. He has flashes speed, power and pass rushing awareness with a variety of moves.

10. New York Giants - Oregon DL DeForest Buckner - I’m not completely sold on Buckner’s pass rushing success early on. However, I am sold on Buckner's individual traits that can result in a powerful pass rusher. Let me explain. Buckner has desired size and length. He is not slow off the football. He has strength in his hands and uses length. All of these show up as a run defender. Once he shows urgency and intent to play behind the line of scrimmage and shed against the pass, he can be a huge factor on a defense. The Giants might see a Justin Tuck comparison here.

11. Chicago Bears - Ohio State LB Darron Lee - John Fox invested at linebacker in multiple previous stops. The Bears lack speed on defense, and Lee offers it. Yes, Lee missed some tackles this season, but I think his agility put him in plays others might not reach. Improvements to the interior of the defensive line would also help.

12. New Orleans Saints - Alabama DL A’Shawn Robinson - The NFL already likes and will continue to like Robinson’s projection more than I do. see a big, stout run defender who does not offer very much as an upfield disruptor or pass rusher. Maybe he can be Michael Brockers, but I see adequate to above average run defenders signed every year off the street. The Saints do need help along the interior, and as you have read, it can greatly impact linebacker success.

13. Philadelphia Eagles - Stanford G Joshua Garnett - I’ve been on a few local Philadelphia programs in recent weeks. One question I received was “outside of guard, what position is the biggest need.” It was difficult to answer. To me, that shows how much the Eagles need to upgrade the position, arguably at both guard spots. Garnett can be a powerful blocker and will draw the “good teammate” label.

14. Oakland Raiders - Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander - I can see why a lot of people like Alexander. In fact, many love his game. Hate it or love it, corner is now a position of size and stature. It can be difficult to find sub 5’10” corner who successfully plays the ball in contested situations. Jason Verrett was one, and Alexander needs to follow that path.

15. Los Angeles Rams - North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz - GM Les Snead recently mentioned that the “analytics” pointed to Case Keenum “playing like a top-10 quarterback at one point.” There is no way he can believe that. Wentz has a lot of talent, but I cannot get behind the top 10 pick talk. However, the Rams do need to (finally) invest in the position.

16. Detroit Lions - Baylor WR Corey Coleman - I think Coleman plays bigger than his size and obviously offers speed and yards after catch capabilities. It is interesting, because the WVU game shows an evaluator everything in terms of getting off the line versus press, while the Oklahoma State contest displays the opposite. Coleman obviously does not have Calvin Johnson’s size, but he is a playmaker.

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17. Atlanta Falcons - Ohio State WR Michael Thomas - There are other positions the Falcons could target before receiver, namely linebacker and another edge player, but none fit in this spot. We all saw what the Falcons passing offense looked like when Julio Jones was the only talented piece. In fact, it is amazing how productive it was with just Julio carrying it. The team has a nice slot option in Justin Hardy, but are in need of a second option on the outside. I love Rumford Johnny’s comparison of Michael Crabtree for Thomas.

18. Indianapolis Colts - Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott - Elliott can be a foundation piece of an NFL offense. There are so many occasions where he turns three yard runs into 10 yard gains due to a combination of vision, quickness, balance and strength. On top of that, Elliott is a solid receiver and can play on all three downs. He might be the best blocking ball carrier I’ve seen.

19. Buffalo Bills - Louisiana Tech DL Vernon Butler - I see so much Mo Wilkerson in Butler’s game, so why not place the LaTech product with Wilkerson’s former coach in Rex Ryan, especially with the Bills needing talent along the front four. Butler can play either interior spot and even a 5 technique role in odd man fronts. He displays intent with his hands and is slippery when working around blockers. I love Butler’s game.

20. New York Jets - Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith - A team with patience will select Jaylon Smith in the first-round. Bits of news have been placed in the media regarding Smith’s timeline, but that will be specific for each team. He covers plenty of ground and appeared more aggressive at the point of attack this season. The Jets’ linebackers seemed to allow a high number of first downs this year based on positioning and a lack of speed. Smith could help fix that.

21. Washington Redskins - Ole Miss DL Robert Nkemdiche - Jason Hatcher is a pivotal piece of Washington’s front seven. He turns 34 in July. Yes, Nkemdiche will be a talking point throughout the process, and the NFL will have far more information than the public, just like with every prospect. Nkemdiche has displayed uncommon explosion and power from a variety of alignments.

22. Houston Texans - Cal QB Jared Goff - There could be worse situations for a rookie quarterback to step into. Goff seemingly mastered Cal’s system, albeit a very simple one. It is a simpler offense than Mariota’s at Oregon, but no one is making that statement.

23. Minnesota Vikings - Ohio State OL Taylor Decker - Decker pulled out of the Senior Bowl, but all signs point to Decker being the third tackle selected. The Vikings need an infusion of aggressiveness and nastiness, and Decker plays until the whistle and sometimes beyond. He is working with LeCharles Bentley pre-draft, which has helped a number of prospects and players.

24. Cincinnati Bengals - Georgia LB Leonard Floyd - The Bengals need a shot of athleticism at linebacker. Floyd played more at the second level this season and also possesses pass rushing ability thanks to flexibility and bend. He could be used as the Bengals’ third edge rusher on sub downs.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers - Michigan State EDGE Shilique Calhoun - Despite taking an edge player in the first round last year, the Steelers still need to add talent at the position. James Harrison was arguably their best edge rusher last year. Calhoun might not fit the squatty, stocky build that has been linked with the Steelers, but he is a straight line player with length and intensity to attempt counter moves.

26. Seattle Seahawks - Louisville DL Sheldon Rankins - Don’t get me started on Rankins. He is a top 10 talent in this draft. He is a true upfield disruptor who is smooth, quick and versatile with his hands to win the balance advantage. I’ll go as far to say that Rankins could be this year’s Kawann Short. The Seahawks love disruption, and Rankins would offer it.

27. Green Bay Packers - DL Jarran Reed - Who knows what the Packers are doing… They could go with an inside linebacker to allow Clay Matthews to move to the edge. Or they could continue to add bodies up front with a few impending free agents along the defensive interior. We know Reed holds up well against the run, and he has more upfield ability than his teammate A’Shawn Robinson.

28. Kansas City Chiefs - DL Andrew Billings - There will be a long discussion about Billings’ best alignment. He might not be a true 1 or 0 technique on base downs. He shows very good mobility for an interior lineman in a number of games, and I would not be surprised to see Billings moved around in the NFL. The Chiefs could be without Jaye Howard and Mike DeVito next year.

29. Arizona Cardinals - Oklahoma State EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah - Compared to others, I have a lot of questions about Ogbah’s projection. Markus Golden has transitioned well to the NFL, but more young edge talent is needed. The Cardinals relied on Dwight Freeney in a number of situations. The Cardinals have done wonders with picks others have questioned (John Brown, Deone Bucannon and Rodney Gunter, among others.)

30. Carolina Panthers - Clemson EDGE Kevin Dodd - The Panthers have to upgrade their edge rushers this offseason. It will likely be their No. 1 priority. Charles Johnson and Jared Allen are likely gone. Dodd was close to dominant down the stretch. He won with hand use, separation and even showed he can turn the corner to take a tighter path to the quarterback. Jonathan Bullard is also a possibility, especially if the Panthers yearn for an edge player who can take some snaps inside.

31. Denver Broncos - Memphis QB Paxton Lynch - The Broncos were in the Blake Bortles sweepstakes a few years ago before the Jaguars shocked everyone and selected the quarterback in the top five. There is plenty of uncertainty around the Broncos’ quarterback position, and I would be shocked if they give Brock Osweiler a contract that, in real numbers, lasts for more than two years.